Gov. Beverly Perdue: UK Alum Plays Historic Role
By: Allison Elliott
When Gov. Beverly Perdue was a student at the University of Kentucky, she studied history - now she's making it. In January 2009, Perdue was sworn in as the first female governor of North Carolina. Before running for election, she served two terms in the state house of representatives, five terms in the state senate and two terms as the first female lieutenant governor of the state.
Perdue grew up in coal country in Southwest Virginia, the daughter of parents who never finished high school but instilled in her a longstanding belief in the importance of hard work. She came to Kentucky to attend UK, and graduated in 1969 with a bachelors degree in history. Perdue later went on to earn masters and doctoral degrees in education administration from the University of Florida. Perdue has two sons and is married to Bob Eaves, who has a son and a daughter. Together, they have five grandchildren. They share the North Carolina Executive Mansion with two Tibetan terriers, Dosie and Zipper.
Perdue has spent most of her adult life in North Carolina, initially teaching in public schools then pursuing a career as a health care consultant. It was what she saw while working in health care that pushed her toward a life of public service.
"It was while working in a community hospital in New Bern, N.C., that I witnessed firsthand how public policy decisions affect real people," said Perdue. "It was my desire to better the lives of the senior citizens I saw in my hospital that led me to run for office that first time."
As governor, Perdue remains concerned about health issues. When asked to name her greatest accomplishment thus far, she mentions tackling the issue of tobacco in North Carolina. Taking on a problem familiar to many Kentuckians, Perdue worked to reduce the number of teenage tobacco users in a state with a long history of producing the crop.
"As chair of the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission, I led efforts to reduce teen tobacco use. Thanks to the Commission’s work, all of North Carolina’s school districts are tobacco free and there are 34,000 fewer child smokers," she said.
Like many states, North Carolina is now facing budget shortfalls, and Perdue is concerned with helping citizens survive the current recession.
"Even in these tough times, I believe we must ensure every North Carolinian has access to high-quality and affordable education. We must also make sure that we grow our economy and help put people back to work," said Perdue, who has championed the "JobsNOW" initiative for job creation and training.
Aside from tobacco and budget concerns, North Carolina shares something else with Kentucky - a rich basketball tradition. So, does the UK alumna - now governor of the state that's home to both the University of North Carolina and Duke - still cheer for the Wildcats?
"Let's just say I have a lot of blue in my closet," said Perdue.
Perdue takes a long view of her role in history. "George Bernard Shaw said, 'We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.' Not since the 1930s has a governor of this state faced the tremendous budgetary challenges that I am looking at in my first year as governor. As a student of history my thoughts turn to the past leaders who found the resolve, strength and moxie to drive North Carolina through tough times."
Perdue joins Gov. Steve Beshear of Kentucky and Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio as UK alumni currently serving as governors. UK clearly has a tradition of producing alumni ready and willing to lead - so what is Perdue's advice for students considering a career in public service?
"With a lot of hard work, determination and faith, there are no limits to what you can accomplish. Public service is an opportunity to use those hard-earned accomplishments to give something back to your community, state and country. I hope UK students, no matter the career path they choose, dedicate themselves to their work and refuse to give up when things get tough," said Perdue.
Describing her leadership philosophy as "hands-on," Perdue is conscious of her very public role and the symbolism of her position.
"On my first day as governor, I opened the Executive Mansion to nearly 5,000 people who stood in line waiting to come inside. At the end of the day, when it was clear that the sun would go down before I could welcome everyone in, I walked outside to greet those still waiting in line. One little girl had a big cardboard sign around her neck that said 'Yes, I can be a female governor.' That’s what this is all about. As the first female governor of North Carolina, I hope I can be an example for both young women and men. I hope that when people see me, they see how determination and hard work can help them achieve any goal."
